10 Delicious Salad Recipes You’d Be Happy to Eat for Dinner

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Many people believe that salads are just light sides that can’t hold their own as a main meal. But I’m here to prove otherwise! These ten delicious salad recipes are not only satisfying but packed with wholesome ingredients, making them perfect for dinner. They’re flavorful, nutritious, and incredibly easy to prepare — exactly what you need for a quick, stress-free weeknight meal.

Balsamic Chicken Salad

a plate of sliced balsamic chicken on top of veggies and burrata cheese
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

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This balsamic chicken salad is everything you want in a weeknight dinner – easy, wholesome, and so satisfying. Juicy grilled chicken is paired with fresh greens, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy burrata. And then there’s that balsamic vinaigrette — it’s tangy and sweet, and it ties the whole thing together beautifully. Full recipe: Balsamic Chicken Salad

Greek Chicken Salad

an overhead view of greek chicken salad in a bowl
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

This Greek chicken salad is packed with all the good stuff: tender grilled chicken, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a bright lemony dressing. It’s the kind of salad that makes you feel like you’re sitting by the sea in Greece — okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but it’s delicious all the same! Full recipe: Greek Chicken Salad

Mandarin Chicken Salad

A bowl of Asian-inspired salad with chicken and mandarin oranges garnished with chow mein noodles.
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

This mandarin chicken salad is as colorful as it is tasty. Grilled chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, and sesame seeds make it feel a bit more special than your usual salad. Toss everything with a tangy orange ginger dressing, and it’s a simple, refreshing dinner that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Full recipe: Mandarin Chicken Salad

BLT Salad with Chicken

anoverhead view of a blt salad with chicken on a plate
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

If you’re a BLT lover, you’ll appreciate this salad version. We’re talking crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and grilled chicken, all in one bowl. Drizzle with a creamy dressing, and you’ve got a dinner that’s quick, satisfying, and packed with all the flavors of a classic BLT sandwich. Full recipe: BLT Chicken Salad

Mediterranean Israeli Couscous Salad

a serving of Mediterranean couscous salad in a bowl with the serving bowl in the background.
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

This Mediterranean Israeli couscous salad is light but hearty enough for dinner. It features pearl couscous as the base, mixed with cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, green onions, parsley, and crumbled feta. It’s a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s both healthy and filling. Full recipe: Mediterranean Israeli Couscous Salad

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

cranberry walnut chicken salad served in lettuce wraps
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

This cranberry walnut chicken salad is a perfect mix of sweet and savory. Tender chicken, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts come together in a creamy dressing with a hint of tang. It’s great on its own, in a sandwich, or wrapped in lettuce for a quick, delicious dinner. Full recipe: Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Sweet Potato Feta Salad

Roasted sweet potato and feta salad on a plate.
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

This roasted sweet potato and feta salad is a perfect mix of sweet and savory. The caramelized sweet potatoes pair beautifully with tangy feta, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and juicy pomegranate seeds. Finished with a zesty lime vinaigrette, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish for any meal. Full recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato Feta Salad

Ancient Grains Salad

mixing together the ancient grains salad
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

This ancient grains salad is a perfect blend of nutty farro, fresh greens, and crispy homemade pita chips. Tossed with a tangy lemon vinaigrette and topped with Parmesan and dried cranberries, it’s both satisfying and refreshing. This hearty yet light salad is ideal for a healthy dinner or meal prep for the week! Full recipe: Ancient Grains Salad

Santa Fe Salad

santa fe salad in a bowl
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

This Santa Fe salad is packed with all the bold flavors you love from southwestern-inspired dishes. With hearty romaine lettuce, creamy avocado, sweet corn, and protein-packed red kidney beans, it’s a filling and delicious option for dinner. Full recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Apple Pecan Salad

Overhead view of a bowl of mixed apple pecan salad with serving utensils in it.
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

This apple pecan salad is full of fall flavors, featuring crisp apples, crunchy pecans, dried cranberries, and shaved Parmesan. Toss it all in a simple maple vinaigrette, and you’ve got an easy, flavorful salad that’s ready in minutes. Full recipe: Apple Pecan Salad

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